Part 24 (2/2)

”The wireless,” replied Toe for help, off into space I hope some one receives it--and answers,”

he added, in a low tone

The crackling increased While they gathered about hi the current until he had sent out from Earthquake Island the three letters--”CQD” And he followed theain he flashed out this e

Would it be answered? Would help come? If so, from where? And if so, would it be in time? These were questions that the castaways asked the ahile, overhead, froes

CHAPTER XXII

ANXIOUS DAYS

After the first few es, the little throng of castaways that had gathered about the shack, h, of course, they were vitally interested in the success of To Only Mr Da inventor, for he needed help, occasionally, in operating the dynaasoleneafter the priements, occasionally strolled up the hill to the little shed

”Any answer yet, Mr Swift?” she would ask

”No” was the reply ”We can hardly expect any so soon,” and Mrs

Nestor would depart, with a sigh

Knowing that his supply of gasolene was limited, Tom realized that he could not run the dynaes into space He consulted with his two friends on the subject, and Mr Damon said:

”Well, the best plan, I think, would be only to send out the flashes over the wires at times when other wireless operators will be on the lookout, or, rather, listening There is no use wasting our fuel We can't get any more here”

”That's true,” admitted Tom, ”but how can we pick out any certain time, e can be sure that wireless operators, within a zone of a thousandto catch clicks which call for help from the unknown?”

”We can't,” decided Mr Fenwick ”The only thing to do is to trust to chance If there was only some way so you would not have to be on duty all the while, and could send out ood”

Tom shook his head ”I have to stay here to adjust the apparatus,”

he said ”It works none too easily as it is, for I didn't have just what I needed fro up so to click out 'CQD' autoe to have the answer come that way And I want to be here when the answer comes”

”Have you any plan, then?” asked Mr Dah probleht of this,” said Tom ”I'll send out our call for help fro Then I'll wait, and send out another call fro I'll try again, and then about ten o'clock at night, before going to bed”

”That ought to be sufficient,” agreed Mr Fenwick ”Certainly wewe may have to stay here, and call for help”

”It won't be long if that scientist Parker has his way,” spoke Mr

Darimly ”Bless my hat band, but he's a MOST unco that the island is going to sink!

I hope we are rescued before that happens”

”I guess we all do,” remarked Mr Fenwick ”But, To an answer from the unknown--from some shi+p or wireless station, that may reply to your calls? How can you tell when that will come in?”